A Lesson In Democracy

I didn't vote for Barack Obama.

I came close. Like so many other millions, I fell under his rhetoric spell for awhile and seriously considered giving him my vote. In the end, though, I had to vote with my conscience and for a man I felt would take my country in a better direction.

Tuesday's pageantry didn't change my mind about Obama, but it did fuel my passion for this great country. After all the recent elections turmoil in places like Zimbabwe and Kenya, what happened Tuesday is a stellar example of what democracy is all about.

In stark contrast to the third world's violent in-fighting after an election, we had a peaceful transition from one president to the other. President Bush, (former president I guess I should say now), graciously gave up the keys to his mansion and control of our nation. There were hugs and handshakes all around.

Regardless of who was taking the oath of office, I took the time to watch the inauguration. I stepped away from my desk, turned off the police scanner (imagine that) and just watched.

Later I found out some of my friends didn't bother to watch the inauguration because it wasn't who they voted for. Talk about sour grapes. Regardless of who came out on top, and the much-hyped color of his skin, this is a snapshot of history.

Here's my point. I wasn't a big fan of Obama when he was running for president and, as inspired as I was by his inaugural speech, my opinion still hasn't swayed much.

But I have two impressionable young children at home, one who told me about watching "Bok Bamama" on the TV when I came from work on Tuesday. I could have shushed him and griped about how the country is going you-know-where in a hand basket over the next four years. And while I have the right to do that, (another reason why America's great), that's not the example I want to set.

This is a chance to teach my children about our country's freedom to choose our leaders and the respect those in power deserve. Obama is my president now and he has my support 100 percent.